Position indicator on liquid sample container

ABSTRACT

A disclosed technique includes an assembly comprising a cup with a first visual sealing indicator and a lid with a second visual sealing indicator wherein, in operation, the lid is screwed on the cup to a sealing indicator position where the first visual sealing indicator and the second visual sealing indicator are aligned. Another disclosed technique includes an assembly comprising a cup with a first audible sealing indicator and a lid with a second audible sealing indicator wherein, in operation, the lid is screwed on the cup to a position past where the first audible sealing indicator and the second audible sealing indicator have contacted each other producing an audible sound. Another disclosed technique includes a cup with a raised central bottom area and an insert with bracing wings wherein, in operation, the bracing wings stabilize and secure the insert in the cup.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser.No. 61/525,062, entitled “CUP AND LID WITH INSERT,” filed Aug. 18, 2011,which is incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

An area of ongoing research and development is in improving containersfor biological samples. A problem is that mistakes can be made whenusing or handling such containers. Any advancement that resulted inimprovements in the ability to properly use or handle biological samplecontainers would be desirable to reduce the probability of mistakes,accidents, or erroneous test results on the biological samples in thecontainers. These examples of ways to improve use of biological samplecontainers are intended to be illustrative and not exclusive orexhaustive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A-1D depict a diagram of alternative views of an example of aliquid sample container assembly with a visual position indicator.

FIGS. 2A-2D depict a diagram of alternative views of an example of aliquid sample container assembly with an audible position indicator.

FIGS. 3A-3C depict a diagram of alternative views of an example of aliquid sample container assembly having a cup with a raised centerportion of the bottom.

FIGS. 4A-4D depict diagrams of alternative views of an example of aninsert that can be used in combination with a quid sample containerassembly.

FIG. 5 depicts a diagram an example of test strips and a test stripsleeve that can be used in combination with the insert depicted in FIGS.4A-4D.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1A-1D depict a diagram 100 of alternative views of an example of aliquid sample container assembly with a visual position indicator. Inthe example of FIGS. 1A-1D, the assembly includes a cup or container 102(hereinafter “the cup 102”) for holding liquids, such as liquidbiological samples, a lid 104, and an insert 106. In the example inFIGS. 1A-1D, the cup 102 has threads 108 and a visual closed or sealedposition indicator 110 (“the visual sealed position indicator 110”), andthe lid 104 has a visual closed or sealed position indicator 112 (“thevisual sealed position indicator 112”).

The visual sealed position indicators 110, 112 are visually distinctareas on the cup 102 and the lid 104 that align when the lid 104 istightened to an optimal generally predetermined range. The optimal rangeis indicative of a recommended closed position. Depending upon theimplementation, seals formed when the position indicators 110, 112 donot indicate a properly closed position can be acceptable in certainconditions or in accordance with certain standards because the optimalrange is intended to represent a conservative estimate of a proper seal;it is safe to err on the side of a smaller range than is adequate.

In the example of FIG. 1B, the visual sealed position indicator 110 isdepicted as a horizontal protrusion below the threads 108 of the cup102. In this specific example, the horizontal protrusion is sufficientlylarge, and protrudes sufficiently far from the surface of the cup 102,to be visible both from the side of the cup 102, and from the top of thecup 102 even when the lid 104 is in place. The visual sealed positionindicator 110 is depicted as having a particular size for illustrativepurposes only; the visual sealed position indicator 110 can be smalleror larger than is represented in the example of FIG. 1B. In general, avisual sealed position indicator on the cup can be implemented as aconvenient visually distinct area of the cup, positioned below a portionof the cup that is covered by the lid when the lid is secured (which islikely to be below the threads of the cup) and that is less than thecircumference of the cup. When measuring vertical position, as opposedto circumferential position relative to the cup as is described in thispaper as the primary example, the visual sealed position indicator canextend partially under the portion of the cup covered by the lid, but atleast some will remain visible, or the visual sealed position indicatorcan extend over the outer circumference of the lid.

In a specific implementation, the visual sealed position indicator 110is a visibly differently textured portion of the cup 102 that is lessthan the circumference of the cup 102. In another specificimplementation, the visual sealed position indicator is a portion of thecup with a different opacity from the rest of the cup. In other specificimplementations, the visual sealed position indicator is a portion ofthe cup with a different visual etched or raised design. In otherimplementations, the visual sealed position indicator on the cup isindicated by lines, words or symbols.

In operation, the visual closed or sealed position indicators 110, 112inform a user when the lid 104 is sufficiently closed so that thecontents of the cup 102 will not leak. The lid 104 can be sufficientlytight to prevent leaking through a range of orientations as it isscrewed down. In the example of FIGS. 1A-1D, this range begins when thevisual sealed position indicators 110, 112 begin to overlap or align. Asthe lid is tightened, the visual sealed position indicators 110 and 112overlap more or come more into alignment, indicating the lid 104 is evensecure.

The visual sealed position indicator 112 is a portion of the lid 104that is visually distinct from the outside surface of the lid 104, andless than the circumference of the lid 104. This visual sealed positionindicator aligns with the visual sealed position indicator 110 when thelid 104 is tightened on the cup 102 to within the optimal range. In theexample in FIG. 1C, the visual sealed position indicator on the lid 112is a slightly raised flat area on the top of the lid 104 near the edgeand continuing down the outside wall of the lid 104. Advantageously, inthis specific example, the visual sealed position indicator 112 can beseen from both the top and side of the lid 104. The visual sealedposition indicator 112 is depicted as having a particular size forillustrative purposes only; the visual sealed position indicator 112 canbe smaller or larger than is represented in the example of FIG. 1C. Ingeneral, a visual sealed position indicator on the lid can beimplemented as a convenient visually distinct area of the lid,positioned on the outer circumference of the lid and that is less thanthe circumference of the cup.

In a specific implementation, the visual sealed position indicator 112is a visibly differently textured portion of the lid 104 that is lessthan the circumference of the lid 104. In another specificimplementation, the visual sealed position indicator is a portion of thelid with a different opacity from the rest of the lid. In other specificimplementations, the visual sealed position indicator is a portion ofthe lid with a different visual etched or raised design. In otherimplementations, the visual sealed position indicator on the lid isindicated by lines, words or symbols.

FIGS. 2A-2D depict a diagram of alternative views of an example of aliquid sample container assembly with an audible position indicator. Inthe example of FIGS. 2A-2D the cup 202 has threads 208 and has anaudible closed or sealed position indicator 212 (“the audible sealedposition indicator 212”), and the lid 204 has threads 214 and hasaudible closed or sealed position indicators 216 (“the audible sealedposition indicators 216”).

In the example in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the audible closed or sealed positionindicator 212 on the cup 202 is a single protrusion extending outwardfrom the surface of the cup 202 immediately below the threads 208. Inthe example in FIGS. 2C and 2D, the audible closed or sealed positionindicators 216 on the lid 204 are three protrusions along the rim of thelid 204 immediately below the threads 214, that protrude in toward thecenter of the lid 204.

In operation, the audible closed or sealed position indicators 212, 216inform a user when the lid 204 is sufficiently closed so that thecontents of the cup 202 will not leak. In the example of FIGS. 2A-2D,when the lid 204 is tightened on the cup, the audible tightness orsealed position indicators 216 on the lid 204 contact the audible sealedposition indicator 212 on the cup 202 in succession and make a series ofnoises or “clicks” as the lid is tightened. In the specific example ofFIGS. 2A-2D, the last noise or “click” in the series indicates to theuser that the lid has been tightened to an optimal generallypredetermined position. The optimal position is indicative of arecommended closed position. In general, this is a conservative estimateof the tightness position needed to prevent the contents of the cup fromleaking.

In the specific implementation in FIGS. 2A-2D, the protrusions that formthe audible sealed position indicators 216 on the lid 204 and theaudible sealed position indicator 212 on the cup 202, are rectangular inshape. In another implementation, the audible sealed position indicatorson the lid 204 and the audible sealed position indicator on the cup 202are triangular in shape. The audible sealed position indicators 216 onthe lid 204 and the audible sealed position indicator 212 on the cup 202can be other shapes as well. Many shapes permit the corresponding lidand cup audible sealed position indicators 212, 216 to contact eachother in such a manner as to make a noise or series of noises.

The lid 204 can be sufficiently tight to prevent leaking through a rangeof orientations as it is screwed down. In another specificimplementation of the lid 204 and cup 202 with audible sealed positionindicators 212, 216, this range begins when the first audible sealedposition indicator 216 on the lid 204 contacts the audible sealedposition indicator 212 on the cup 202, making the first “click.” As eachsuccessive audible sealed position indicator 216 on the lid 204 contactsthe audible sealed position indicator 212 on the cup 202, this indicatesto the user that the lid 204 is even more secure.

In another specific implementation of the lid 204 and cup 202 withaudible sealed position indicators, there is a single audible sealedposition indicator on the lid 204 and a single audible sealed positionindicator on the cup 202. In operation, this single sealed positionindicator on the lid 204 contacts the single sealed position indicatoron the cup 202 and makes an audible noise or “click” that indicates tothe user that the lid has been tightened to an optimal generallypredetermined position that is indicative of a recommended closedposition.

In another specific implementation of the lid 204 and cup 202 withaudible sealed position indicators, there is a single audible sealedposition indicator on the lid 204 and more than one audible sealedposition indicators on the cup 202. In operation, the single audiblesealed position indicator on the lid 204 contacts the multiple audiblesealed position indicators on the cup 202 in succession making a seriesof noises or “clicks” as the lid 204 is tightened. This configurationcan be implemented so that in operation, the last noise or “click” inthe series indicates to the user that the lid 204 has been tightened toa recommended closed position. This configuration can also beimplemented so that in operation, the first “click” indicates to theuser that the lid 204 has been tightened to a recommended closedposition, and each successive click indicates to the user that the lid204 is even more secure of may be approaching non-optimalover-tightening.

In another specific implementation of the lid 204 and cup 202 withaudible sealed position indicators, the cup and lid audible sealedposition indicators are textured areas on the cup 202 and lid 204. Suchtextured areas can be located above, below, or within the threads on thecup and lid 208, 214. The textured areas are positioned partially aroundthe inside-facing circumference of the lid 204 and partially aroundoutside-facing circumference of the cup 202 so that they rub againsteach other as the lid 204 is being tightened. In operation, this makes anoise as the lid 204 is tightened on the cup 202. The textured areas arepositioned so that, as the lid 204 becomes tight enough to prevent thecontents of the cup 202 from leaking, the textured areas move all theway past each other, stop rubbing, and stop making the noise. Thecessation of the noise informs the user that the lid 204 is sufficientlytight that the contents of the cup 202 will not spill.

FIGS. 3A-3C depict a diagram of alternative views of an example of anapparatus having a cup 300 with a raised center portion of the bottom302 (“the raised central bottom 302”). In the example of FIGS. 3A-3Craised central bottom 302 creates a channel, or trough, 304 (“thechannel 304”) around the circumference of the bottom of the cup 300. Inoperation, the raised bottom 302 and channel 304 have the advantage thatthey ensure that small volumes of liquid samples placed in the cupcollect, or are concentrated, in the channel around the perimeter of thecup. This collection or concentration of small volume samples in thechannel ensures that there is sufficient liquid in the channel to wetthe bottoms of testing strips placed in the cup 300. (insertion of teststrips into the cup is discussed further below.)

In another specific implementation, the raised bottom area is completelyraised over half of the bottom of the cup 300, so that it “fills in” thechannel in half of the cup. In this configuration, the channel does notform a complete circle, but only forms half of a circle. In thisconfiguration, the insert 406, an example of which is shown in FIGS.4A-4D, and discussed further below, does not have “wings” or brackets.In another specific implementation, the channel is more than half of acomplete circle. In another specific implementation, the channel is lessthan half of a complete circle.

In the example in FIGS. 3A-3C, the raised central bottom 302 and channel304 have a wall of the raised central bottom facing into the channel 306(“the inner channel sidewall 306”) and an interior wall of the cupfacing into the channel 308 (“outer channel sidewall 308”). Thesidewalls can be modified with protrusions into the channel 310 (“thechannel protrusions 310”) that project into the channel and interactwith the insert 406, an example of which is depicted in FIGS. 4A-4D, anddiscussed further below. In the example in FIGS. 3A-3C, the innersidewall 306 is enhanced with horizontal and vertical channelprotrusions 310 in the form of ribs or ridges projecting into thechannel. The horizontal and vertical channel protrusions 310 arearranged in “T” formations.

In another specific implementation, the horizontal and vertical channelprotrusions are arranged in an “L” formation. In another specificimplementation, the horizontal and vertical channel protrusions arearranged in a “+” formation. In another specific implementation, thehorizontal and vertical channel protrusions are arranged as separate “|”and “-” shapes that do not contact each other. The horizontal andvertical channel protrusions 310 can be spaced around, or distributedalong the inner sidewall surface in many different patterns.

In another specific implementation, the horizontal and vertical channelprotrusions on the inner channel sidewall 306 are not ribs or ridges,but instead are protrusions in the shape of “bumps” or convex dimples.In another specific implementation, discussed further below, theprotrusions are replaced with indentations or concave dimples in theinner channel sidewall 306.

In another specific implementation, rather than being placed on theinner channel sidewall 306, the horizontal, vertical or bump-likechannel protrusions are located on the outer channel sidewall 308 andproject into the channel. In another specific implementation, discussedfurther below, there are indentations or concave dimples in the outerchannel sidewall 308.

FIGS. 4A-4D depict diagrams of alternative views of an example of aninsert 406 that can be used in combination with the cup 300, and lid(not shown) and that has stabilization “wings” or braces around itsbottom edge 408 and insert protrusions 410 for interlocking with orgripping the raised central bottom 302 of the cup 300. In the example ofFIGS. 4A-4D the insert 406 is in the general shape of a tube cutlength-wise. The insert has a smaller diameter than the cup 300 and canslide inside the cup. In the example in FIGS. 4A-4D, the diameter of theinsert is smaller than the cup 300 but slightly larger than the raisedcentral bottom 302. In operation, when the example insert 406 depictedin FIGS. 4A-4D is placed into the cup 300, the bottom edge of the insert406 slides into the channel 304. When the bottom of the insert 406 is inthe channel 304, the inside, bottom surface of the insert contacts theinner channel sidewall 306.

In the example in FIGS. 4A-4D, the insert 406 has projecting “feet” orraised areas 412 that project downward from the insert's bottom surface.When the insert 406 is placed into the cup 300 these areas or “feet” 412elevate the insert 406 a slightly from the bottom of the channel 304.Among other things, this arrangement has the advantage that inoperation, the feet 412 ensure that biological samples in the cup 300and in the channel 304 can flow underneath the bottom edge of the insert406 and wet the test strips held in the insert 406.

In the example in FIGS. 4A-4D, the insert 406 has two “wings” or braces408 along its bottom edge that project further around the circle formedby the radius of the insert 406. Because the “wings” or braces 408 arelocated at the bottom, in the example in FIGS. 4A-4D, the bottom edge ofthe insert 406 makes a more complete circle than the top edge. In theexample in FIGS. 4A-4D, these wings or braces 408 make a stable base andprevent the insert 406 from tipping toward the center of the cup 300when it is inserted into the cup. Among other things, in operation thishas the advantage of ensuring that the bottoms of all of the test stripsheld in the insert 406, contact the sample in the cup 300 and are wet bythe sample. Moreover, in operation, the example shown in FIGS. 4A-4D hasthe advantage that it helps hold the insert 406, and the test stripsheld in the insert 406, in a position in which they can be concealedbehind a removable label affixed to the outside of the cup 300 until itis appropriate that any results displayed by the test strips areobserved. For example, the person providing the sample that is to betested should not be able to observe the test strips and any resultsthat may be displayed on the test strips. Therefore, the insert 406should remain upright and secure while the sample is gathered. Inaddition, people who handle the cup 300, lid (not shown) and insert 406may not be permitted to view results displayed on the test strips forprivacy or security reasons. This also makes it desirable that theinsert 406 and test strips remain securely upright so that they can beconcealed by a removable label on the outside of the cup 300. Finally,when the appropriate person is ready to view the results displayed onthe test strips it is advantageous if the insert is upright and secureso that the test strips are held in an orderly position in proximity tothe wall of the in the cup 300 and can be easily viewed when the labelon the outside of the cup is removed.

In the example in FIGS. 4A-4D, the insert 406 also has small insertprotrusions or “teeth” 410 projecting inward, around the insert's innersurface, along its bottom edge. In the example in FIGS. 4A-4D, theinsert protrusions 410 are triangular-shaped “teeth.” In operation, whenthe insert 406 is placed inside the cup 300 and the bottom of the insert406 slides into the channel 304, the inside bottom edge of the insertcontacts the inner channel sidewall 306. In this configuration, theinsert protrusions 410, or “teeth,” contact the horizontal and verticalribs 310 located on the inner channel sidewall 306. The insertprotrusions 410, or “teeth,” and the horizontal and vertical ribs 310tend to interlock, preventing the insert from moving inside the cup 300.In this configuration, the horizontal ribs 310 interacting with theteeth 410, prevent the insert from moving up and down, while thevertical ribs 310 interacting with the teeth 410 prevent the insert fromslipping side to side. In addition, in this configuration, in operationthe wings 408 slip under the horizontal ribs 310. The horizontal ribs310 tend to “lock” the wings 408 of the insert down in the cup andprevent the insert from sliding up and down. As described previously,fixing the upright and horizontal position of the insert 406 has theadvantage of holding the insert 406 and test strips upright and secure,so that, among other things, they can be concealed behind a removablelabel and easily viewed only by the appropriate person.

In another specific implementation, the insert protrusions aresquare-shaped “teeth.” In another specific implementation, the insertprotrusions are rounded or bump-like. In this implementation, thehorizontal and vertical ribs 310 can be the same as depicted in theexample shown in FIGS. 3A-3C, and can interlock with the bump-likeinsert protrusions. However, in the implementation in which the insertprotrusions are rounded or bump-like, the horizontal and vertical ribs310 can be replaced by indentations or concave dimples on the innerchannel sidewall 306. In this latter configuration, in operation, whenthe bottom of the insert 406 is placed in the channel 304, the bump-likeinsert protrusions fit into the indentations or concave dimples on theinner channel sidewall 306, “locking” the insert in place.

In another specific implementation, the triangular or square, teeth-likeinsert protrusions project outward, around the insert's outer surface,along its bottom edge. In another specific implementation, the insertprotrusions are rounded or bump-like, and project outward, around theinsert's outer surface, along its bottom edge. In these two specificimplementations, the horizontal and vertical ribs are located on theouter sidewall surface 308 and project into the channel 304. Inoperation of these two implementations, the outward facing insertprotrusion teeth or bumps interlock with the inward facing horizontaland vertical ribs on the outer sidewall surface 308 when the bottom ofthe insert is placed in the channel 304.

In another specific implementation, the insert protrusions are roundedor bump-like and project outward, around the insert's outer surface,along its bottom edge. In this specific implementation, the horizontaland vertical ribs on the outer sidewall surface 308 can be replaced byindentations or concave dimples on the outer sidewall surface 308. Inthis configuration, in operation when the bottom of the insert is placedinto the channel, the outward-facing, bump-like insert protrusions fitinto the indentations or concave dimples on outer sidewall surface 308,“locking” the insert in place.

FIG. 5 depicts a diagram an example of test strips and a test stripsleeve that can be used in combination with the insert 106, 406 and 500.In the example in FIG. 5 the insert 500 has a test-strip holding window514, or bracket, with a groove 512 surrounding it. The test-stripholding window 514, or bracket, and groove 512, can hold a sleevecontaining test strips 506. In operation, test strips are heldvertically in the insert 500, so that the ends of the test strips may bewet by the biological sample in the cup, permitting the test strips tobe used to detect the presence of various chemicals, such as illegaldrugs.

In the specific implementation shown in FIG. 5, the test strip sleeve isa clear plastic device 502, with multiple tubes or channels 504 intowhich test strips 506 can be inserted. In this configuration, inoperation the edge 508 of the sleeve fits into the groove 514 around thetest-strip holding window 512, or bracket. The test strips can be usedto test the liquid sample in the cup for various substances, such asillegal drugs. The test strips usually, but do not necessarily have to,display a test result on their surface after they have contacted theliquid sample in the cup. In the example configuration shown in FIG. 5the test-strip holding bracket 512 holds the test strip sleeve 502, andtest strips 506 therein, vertically. In operation, when a liquid orsample, such as urine is present in the cup, it collects in the channel304. In operation, when the insert 500 carrying test strip sleeve 502and test strips 506 is placed into the cup 300, the bottom of the insert500, and the bottoms of test strips 506 it carries, slide down into thechannel 304. In this configuration, when the volume of the sample in thecup is small, the Channel 304 directs the sample to the bottoms of thetest strips 506 and ensures that the test-strips are wet.

In a specific implementation, the visual 110, 112 and audible 212, 214sealed position indicators can be used in combination. In other specificimplementations, the cup 300 and insert 406 may be used in combinationwith either or both of the visual 110, 112 and audible 212, 214 sealedposition indicators.

In an alternative implementation, the lid 104 or 204 can be pressed ontothe cup 102 or 202 rather than being screwed onto the cup. The visualsealed position indicators and/or audible sealed position indicators canbe configured to indicate a recommended sealed position when the lid ispressed sufficiently far onto the cup.

The invention claimed is:
 1. An assembly comprising: a cup having afirst visual sealing indicator and a single first audible sealingindicator; and a lid having a second visual sealing indicator and aplurality of second audible sealing indicators, the second visualsealing indicator including a slightly raised flat area on a top of thelid and down an outside wall of the lid that allows the second visualsealing indicator to be viewed from the top of the lid and a side of thelid, the first visual sealing indicator including a horizontalprotrusion that allows the first visual sealing indicator to be viewedfrom a side of the cup and a top of the cup when the lid is in place;wherein, in operation, the lid is screwed on the cup to a sealingindicator position where the first visual sealing indicator and thesecond visual sealing indicator are aligned and a series of successiveaudible sounds are generated as the lid is screwed onto the cup viacontact of the single first audible sealing indicator of the cup and theplurality of second audible sealing indicators of the lid, the audiblesounds indicating formation of a liquid tight seal being formed betweenthe lid and cup, wherein the single first audible sealing indicatorincludes a first protrusion that extends out from an outer sidewall ofthe cup and the plurality of second audible sealing indicators includesa second protrusion that extends out from an inner sidewall of the lid,the first protrusion and the second protrusion shaped to produce theaudible sound when the first protrusion and the second protrusion comeinto contact with each other, and wherein the plurality of secondaudible sealing indicators are disposed proximate one another andpartially around the circumference of the lid.
 2. An assemblycomprising: a container having a first visual sealing indicator meansand a single first audible sealing indicator; and a cap having a secondvisual sealing indicator means and a plurality of second audible sealingindicators, the second visual sealing indicator means including aslightly raised flat area on a top of the cap and down an outside wallof the cap that allows the second visual sealing indicator to be viewedfrom the top of the cap and a side of the cap, the first visual sealingindicator means including a horizontal protrusion that allows the firstvisual sealing indicator means to be viewed from a side of the cup and atop of the cup when the cap is in place; wherein, in operation, the capis pressed on the container to a sealing indicator position where thefirst visual sealing indicator means is visibly matched with the secondvisual sealing indicator means and a series of successive audible soundsare generated as the lid is screwed onto the cup via contact of thesingle first audible sealing indicator of the cup and the plurality ofsecond audible sealing indicators of the lid, the audible soundsindicating formation of a liquid tight seal being formed between the lidand cup, wherein the single first audible sealing indicator includes afirst protrusion that extends out from an outer sidewall of the cup andthe plurality of second audible sealing indicators includes a secondprotrusion that extends out from an inner sidewall of the lid, the firstprotrusion and the second protrusion shaped to produce the audible soundwhen the first protrusion and the second protrusion come into contactwith each other, and wherein the plurality of second audible sealingindicators are disposed proximate one another and partially around thecircumference of the lid.
 3. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the cupincludes threads for securing the lid to the cup, further wherein thefirst visual sealing indicator is a horizontal protrusion positionedbeneath the threads.
 4. The assembly of claim 3, wherein the horizontalprotrusion extends out from the cup a distance such that it can be seenfrom the top of the lid when the lid is coupled to the cup.
 5. Theassembly of claim 1, wherein the first visual sealing indicator includesan etched or raised portion to visually differentiate the first visualsealing indicator from the cup.
 6. The assembly of claim 1, wherein thesecond visual sealing indicator is visually distinct from the lid. 7.The assembly of claim 1, wherein the second visual sealing indicator israised above the top of the lid.
 8. The assembly of claim 1, wherein thesecond visual sealing indicator extends out from an outside wall of thelid.
 9. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the lid has a first opacity andthe second visual sealing indicator has a second opacity, the secondopacity being different from the first opacity.
 10. The assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the second visual sealing indicator includes an etchedor raised portion to visually differentiate the second visual sealingindicator from the lid.
 11. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the firstprotrusion and the second protrusion are either rectangular ortriangular in shape.
 12. The assembly of claim 2, wherein the firstprotrusion and the second protrusion are either rectangular ortriangular in shape.